08 December, 2017

A million tickets from Eurowings from as little as 29.99 euro

The festive season might just have gotten a little more merry and festive.

Eurowings have offered a special gift for Advent. As of today, the airline’s customers can book unbeatably cheap flight tickets to the world’s most beautiful destinations from as little as EUR 29.99, now that is sure to please Santa and add a little extra special Christmas spirit to the rest of us. 


The discounted Advent flight tickets can be booked until Sunday, 10.12.2017, via www.eurowings.com or the Eurowings app on smartphone and tablet, and they can be redeemed flexibly up to the end of April 2018.

Maybe now you give a gift where literally the sky is the limit. So if you haven’t already purchased all your Christmas presents, maybe a low-cost Advent flight tickets from Eurowings is the answer.  It's perfect for anyone,  including your most favourite travel blog writer. 


Toronto Pearson announces new carriers, routes for summer 2018

With demand for air travel in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) continuing to grow, Toronto Pearson announces additional new airline services from Canada's busiest airport, serving the region for the Summer 2018 travel season.

The airport, which is forecast to welcome nearly 48 million passengers in 2017, will see several new airlines enter the local market, as well as expanded service from existing carriers and more frequent flights on some high demand routes. As a critical economic engine for Ontario and Canada, additional connectivity from Toronto Pearson opens key development opportunities for local industry and facilitates growth for area businesses.

Domestic and international travellers will have new options from Toronto Pearson. For the summer 2018 season, Air Canada will offer new direct service to Buenos Aires, Argentina, as well as new routes from Toronto to Providence, RI, Omaha, NB, Nanaimo, BC, and Kamloops, BC.

New Canadian carrier Flair Air will operate for its first summer out of Toronto Pearson after starting service to Edmonton, AB and Kelowna, BC this month.

SKYCOP demands Monarch Airlines give slot deal money to passengers

The collapse of one of the UK's longest running airlines, Monarch, sent shock waves throughout the travel industry. Its demise left thousands of passengers overseas and many more thousands of future holidaymakers plans in doubt.  The CAA mobilised a massive airlift operation to bring back Monarch passengers in a repatriation the size of which had not been seen since the war. 

The administrators, KPMG, appointed to realise the most possible return for Monarch's assets and redistribute those funds to all the airlines' creditors managed to sell a large number of Monarch's lucrative slots. 

The sale has, according to Lithuanian based compensation chasers Skycop, 'sparked outrage among passengers left stranded or without holidays by the airline collapse, the majority of whom are yet to receive any flight compensation', which, again according to Skycop,, is around €291 million.

We spoke to five people who were affected by the Monarch collapse and none were 'outraged', they understood that it was the administrators' job to get as much money as possible by selling Monarch's assets before they are able to distribute any of that cash to staff, customers and all the other creditors. 

It should also be worth pointing out that nobody was left stranded overseas, all Monarch passengers were brought home by one of the many airlines the CAA had hired to operate those repatriation flights.  

More routes and more staff for British Airways at london City

British Airways is further expanding both its London City and regional operation with three new routes, increased frequencies, two more aircraft and 40 new jobs.

Just a week after the airline announced it is increasing flights from Manchester, Birmingham and Bristol in Summer 2018, today it unveils plans to double its weekday services between London City and Milan Linate and add a new weekday service to Frankfurt from January.

In addition, there will be new summer services from Manchester and Edinburgh to Florence and a weekly service between Manchester and Dublin.

The extra flights are made possible with the arrival of two new 98-seat Embraer 190 aircraft in January and April 2018, bringing the total fleet number to 22.

The airline is also recruiting 20 new pilots and 20 cabin crew.

GOL's November

GOL Linhas AĆ©reas Inteligentes S.A.  Brazil's number 1 airline, announced its preliminary air traffic figures for the month of November 2017, yesterday.

07 December, 2017

Southwest's November Results

Southwest Airlines today reported its November and year-to-date preliminary traffic statistics.

The Company flew 10.8 billion revenue passenger miles (RPMs) in November 2017, an increase of 3.4 percent from the 10.4 billion RPMs flown in November 2016. Available seat miles (ASMs) increased 2.5 percent to 12.6 billion in November 2017, compared with November 2016 ASMs of 12.3 billion. The November 2017 load factor was a record for the month of November at 85.8 percent, compared with 85.1 percent in November 2016. Based on these results and current trends, the Company now estimates its fourth quarter 2017 operating revenue per ASM (RASM) will increase in the one to two percent range, as compared with fourth quarter 2016.

Turkish Airlines Welcomes 777 Freighter

Boeing and Turkish Airlines celebrated the delivery today of the airline's first 777 Freighter, the world's longest-range twin-engine freighter. The aircraft will help the airline expand its cargo business.

"The delivery of our first 777 Freighter is a milestone event in our cargo business," said Mr. İlker Aycı, Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, Turkish Airlines. "As a prominent sub-brand of Turkish Airlines, Turkish Cargo increased its freighter destinations served from 55 to 73 from the beginning of this year, reaching approximately one million tons of cargo with a 29 percent increase. It is surely beyond doubt that this is a remarkable success. We're sure that this significant delivery, which will bring great value to our rapidly growing cargo operations, will also enable our leading sub-brand to further compete, expand and reach new short and long-range destinations from our hub in Istanbul."

"We are honored to deliver the 777 Freighter to Turkish Airlines," said Marty Bentrott, Senior Vice President of Sales, Middle East, Turkey, Russia, Central Asia and Africa, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "This aircraft's range capability, combined with its enhanced cargo capacity, makes it a perfect airplane for Turkish Airlines to continue to profitably grow its global cargo service."








No apologies from British Airways after a year of hell for passengers......

The chief executive of British Airways Alex Cruz has defended the carriers decision to end free meals on its short-haul flights, despite the lack of 'buy-onboard' products. Cruz also predicts that all legacy airlines will follow his example and charge for food. 

Cruz, the head of the IAG carrier says the airlines' decision to end free meals for economy passengers and introduce a buy-on-board range from M&S on European and domestic routes earlier this year was "absolutely the right" decision to take.  “Given some of the fares in the marketplace, we make no apology for making ourselves more efficient in various ways so we can consistently compete effectively,” Cruz said. 

He describes the free food and drink services still available on board rivals' short-haul flights as a "fad" and is he "absolutely convinced" that the two big European carriers that still offer free meals will end the practice in the coming months. If free food and drink on the short-haul flights is a fad, it is one of the longest-running fads in the aviation world, free meals have been offerd on flights since the dawn of regular scheduled services.

"Every carrier in the world will be offering food to buy in the very short flights as we do," Cruz arrogantly blasted. He was also unapologetic for the lack of the buy-on-board range claimed that a "logistics issue" meant that there was never enough food on the aircraft to serve even half the passenger loads on each flight. Demand "completely surprised us" said Cruz in London yesterday and claimed the airline has now sorted out the problem and will offer the "food you want when you are flying at a reasonable price". 

Speaking more generally about the airline, Alex Cruz blames the passengers for being "more and more demanding" regarding the level of service they expect from the carrier and the soaring level of complaints the airline has received in the past year. Many disagree with the assertion that he made that British Airways was “and always will be,” a premium airline. 

For British Airways passengers, 2017 really was a year of hell, there were cabin crew strikes, continued luggage handling issues at Heathrow which leaves over 50 BA passengers each day with lost, delayed or damaged baggage. There was that massive computer outage that the airline initially tried to blag was due to a power cut, but were forced to admit they lied and an engineer turned the power off. Reports of rude and racist cabin crew. A passenger forced to sit in a puddle of someone else's pee and flights delayed due to a lack of a loo roll!  Yep, sure sounds like a premium airline, but will 2018 be any better?   Cruz seems to think so, “The glory days are coming back,” he claimed, “I firmly believe that our best days lie ahead.”   He also boasted that BA would also introduce “the best Wi-Fi in the sky” on bigger aircraft, yet independent reviews of the service, operated by GoGo is decidedly average and priced slightly higher than many other airlines offering similar packages. 

The airline is in talks with German aircraft leasing company DrPeter over the purchase of the four ten-year-old Airbus A380 aircraft returned from Singapore Airlines. And, whilst Delta and United have made a song and dance about retiring their 747's, British Airways will keep theirs flying until February 2024!





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Air China arrives at London Gatwick - vital trade route

Minister for International Trade, Greg Hands, and UK Trade Envoy to Taiwan, Lord Faulkner, attended the launch of a vital new trade link from the UK to the Far East today - when the UK’s only direct flight to Taipei left Gatwick for the first time.

The majority of UK airfreight is exported in the hold of long-haul passenger aircraft and this four times a week China airlines service will provide both UK and Taiwanese businesses with the fastest access to both markets, in addition to carrying business and leisure passengers.

According to the UK Government, approximately 300 UK companies are currently located in Taiwan in financial and business services, ICT, telecommunications, infrastructure, environmental technology, creative industries and marine industries, with around 180 Taiwanese companies currently based in the UK. 

The UK is seen by Taiwan as a world leader in the creative industries, and cultural and educational links are growing with approximately 30% of all Taiwanese who study overseas - around 8000 students - doing so in the UK.  Taiwanese tourism to the UK has also risen sharply since the lifting of the visa regime for visits of under 6 months in 2009.

The China Airlines service is the latest in Gatwick’s flourishing 60+ strong network – the world’s largest for a single runway airport – and one that will soon be followed by new services to Buenos Aires, Chicago and Austin in the New Year.

 Read on for reactions -

Flights in Search of Santa: a 13th edition filled with magic thanks to Air Transat and the Children's Wish Foundation

Hundreds of children living with severe illnesses and their families were offered a brief respite today during the annual Flights in Search of Santa organized by Air Transat and the Children's Wish Foundation. Departed on their search for Santa Claus, children were able to find him somewhere in the sky between Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Paris…and the North Pole! 


Flights in Search of Santa: a 13th edition filled with magic thanks to Air Transat and the Children's Wish Foundation (CNW Group/Transat A.T. Inc.)


The memorable day began at the Air Transat check-in counters at Montreal-Trudeau, Toronto-Pearson, Vancouver and Paris-CDG airports. The festivities continued on to the boarding gate, where a number of activities awaited everyone before take-off. Once in the sky, a surprise guest soon appeared in the cabin: Santa himself! 

"For Air Transat, this event has become a real tradition just before the holiday season," said Jean-Francois Lemay, President, Air Transat. "The Santa Flight holds a special place in our employees' hearts and in our corporate responsibility initiatives." 



Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer delivers the 1,400th E-Jet

Embraer celebrates the delivery of its 1,400th E-Jet, an E175, during a ceremony at Embraer’s industrial facilities in SĆ£o JosĆ© dos Campos, Brazil. American Airlines took delivery of this milestone aircraft and selected Envoy Air, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines Group Inc., to operate the aircraft.

Since American Airlines has been a customer of Embraer for nearly 20 years, subsidiary Envoy is one of the original ERJ operators and currently has over 100 ERJs in its fleet. Combining the 2013 and 2017 E-Jet orders, American has ordered 74 E175s and selected Envoy to operate 54 of those E175s; this delivery represents Envoy’s 44th E175.

“The E-Jet program, one of the most successful aircraft programs in history, has been instrumental in shaping the 70 to 130-seat market we see today. And to celebrate the 1,400th E-Jet delivery with our longtime friends, American Airlines and Envoy, is truly a special moment for us, especially after they took delivery of their first E175 just two years ago,” said John Slattery, President  & CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation. “We understand that being part of an airline’s fleet is also being part of their vision, family, and brand. That’s why, as the market leader of this segment, we are committed to continuously raising the standard in order to provide products and solutions that ultimately benefit their customers.”

Direct flights between Fiji and Japan for Fiji Airways - Bula Japan

Fiji Airways, Fiji's National Airline, today announced the launch of direct flights between Nadi and Tokyo Narita three-times a week, subject to regulatory approvals.

Starting 3 July 2018, the new, nine-hour flights will operate from Nadi International Airport to Narita International Airport. Each week, flights will be scheduled for Tuesday, Friday and Sunday, offering over 80,000 seats per year between Fiji and Japan aboard Fiji Airways' state-of-the-art planes, the Airbus A330-200/-300.

To celebrate the new flights, the airline will offer special celebratory launch fares from Nadi to Tokyo, starting from F$999 (includes taxes & surcharges) from 06th – 12th December 2017.

Narita Schedules
Effective July 3rd, 2018
Flight
Number
Origin
Destination
Departure
Time (local)
Arrival
Time
(local)
Day of Week
Aircraft
Type
FJ 351
Nadi
Narita
01:25 p.m.
07:30 p.m.
Tuesday,
Friday,
Sunday
Airbus A330-
200/-300
FJ 350
Narita
Nadi
09:25 p.m.
09:05 a.m.
+1 days
Tuesday,
Friday,
Sunday
Airbus A330-
200/-300

*Schedule times are local. ** Subject to regulatory approval.  

Fiji Airways Managing Director and CEO Andre Viljoen said the three-times-weekly flights make Fiji and the South Pacific more accessible to Japanese tourists than ever before.

"We are excited to share with Japan the untouched beauty of our 333 islands. Fiji's unparalleled hospitality and warmth offers Japanese tourists a unique, culturally immersive experience – much more than just another beach getaway," Mr Viljoen added.

The holidays come early as Alaska Airlines offers early boarding for flyers wearing holiday sweaters

They do things differently in Alaska!   In celebration of National Ugly Holiday Sweater Day, Alaska Airlines passengers who pull on their festive holiday sweaters and wear them to the airport are able to board early. The one-day promotion will be celebrated by flyers and employees alike across Alaska's 115-city network and includes all Alaska, Virgin America and Horizon Air flights. Festive holiday-themed boarding music will play all month long to help get guests into the holiday spirit.

Alaska Airlines to let guests board early on 15th Dec. for wearing an "ugly holiday sweater"

"Travel during the holidays can be stressful for guests, especially those who do not travel often. This fun promotion not only allows guests to board early on that day, but gives people another opportunity to dust off that ugly holiday sweater hanging in the back of their closet," said Natalie Bowman, managing director of marketing and advertising at Alaska Airlines.

This is the first year that Alaska Airlines has participated in National Ugly Holiday Sweater Day. All guests are invited to join in the merriment of the holiday season and share their memories on Twitter by tagging their photos and videos using the hashtags: #UglySweaterDay and #MostWestCoast. All Guests travelling during the holidays are encouraged to arrive to the airport at least two hours before their flight given anticipated congestion at the airport due to the holidays.

To follow our guests' journey on National Ugly Holiday Sweater Day, visit the Alaska Airlines page on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

06 December, 2017

AirBaltic 737 skids off taxiway at Sheremetyevo Airport in Moscow

Passengers on an Air Baltic flight had a lucky escape when their Boeing 737-500 aircraft skidded off the taxiway in snowy conditions at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport earlier today.

The aircraft had arrived from Riga operating flight BT428 and due to heavy winds, snow, ice and slippery conditions skidded off the taxiway.

The airports emergency services attended the incident and passengers were disembarked the aircraft via steps and transferred to the terminal.  No injuries were reported and the aircraft didn't appear to be damaged according to initial inspections and investigations. 

AirBaltic issued the following press release








New Airbus A320neo is the 100th aircraft Delivery for CALC to Frontier

CALC the aircraft provider for global airlines celebrated its 100th aircraft delivery with the debut delivery of an Airbus A320neo passenger jet to Frontier Airlines.

This is the first new engine option aircraft that CALC has added to its fleet, and the first that the Group has delivered to a US airline, Frontier Airlines, owned by Indigo Partners, a US-based private equity firm specialized in airlines investment and operations. Including this first Airbus A320neo, CALC will deliver four aircraft to airlines belonging to Indigo Partners before the end of the year, namely two A320neo aircraft to US-based Frontier Airlines and two A320ceo aircraft to the Chilean airline JetSMART. These deliveries mark an important milestone for CALC as the lessor continues to expand its global customer base. On the basis of its current fleet and signed agreements, over 30% of CALC's fleet will be on lease to non-Chinese airlines. CALC has clients across the world in North America, South America, the Middle East, Europe and Asia-Pacific.

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